Stole from Asda after Tesco ban

File photo dated 01/08/12 of a Tesco sign as new Tesco boss Dave Lewis will be under pressure over the supermarkets plunging profits and a �250 million accounting scandal when it publishes it's half-year results. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday October 23, 2014. The interim figures will come days after latest industry data showed Tesco's sales falling at the fastest rate in the sector. Trading profits for the period are expected to be down by nearly half to �850 million. See PA story CITY Tesco. Photo credit should read: Rui Vieira/PA Wire

Published:16:01Saturday 19 March 2016

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While on bail for shoplifting offences a 35-year-old man was banned from entering Tescos and instead he stole from Asda.

Robert Elias, Portmore Street, Portadown, appeared last Friday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

For the theft of goods valued at £145 from Tesco in Lurgan and going equipped for theft on the same date he was placed on probation for 12 months.

Elias also admitted stealing goods valued at £72.60 and £44.09 from Tesco in Portadown on January 14 and January 15 this year and the theft of goods valued at £59.04, £80 and £23.36 from Asda on February 1, 22 and 24 this year.

For each of these offences he was sentenced to three months in prison. The terms are to run concurrently and were suspended for a year.

The court heard that on November 23 last year at 5.55pm police received a report of a shoplifter in Tesco’s in Lurgan.

Elias had taken two toothbrushes worth £50 and when he was searched he had a foil lined bag with two razor blades valued at £22.50.

When interviewed by police he made full admission to both charges.

On January 15 police were tasked to Tesco’s in Meadow Lane, Portadown, concerning a male shoplifter.

It was confirmed that the defendant had also stolen items the day before. When questioned by police Elias said: “I’m guilty.”

On February 26 at 6.20pm security staff in Asda saw the defendant and recognised him as having been involved in previous thefts.

They stopped him and as he had no method of payment they believed he was doing the same thing again.

A barrister representing the defendant said Elias had lost his job and was between work and getting benefits so he began to steal items.